Hernando, MS -
FAST FACTS:
Dennis.turner@wreg.com
(Hernando, MS 10/20/2009) Investigators are calling for the public's help in investigating the so-called DeSoto County "Bat Attack".
It turns out it could be a much different case than some first thought.
17 year old Vince Eggers remains in Critical condition at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. Those familiar with his condition say he's in such bad shape it could change the scope of the investigation into the baseball bat attack that put him in intensive care.
Everyone from neighbors to investigators say the fight that ended in the "bat attack" had simmered for a long time. "They were texting each other wanting to fight. I guess it's been going on a while they were texting each other about fighting and everything," said one neighbor who didn't want to be identified.
We've learned all those involved in the fight had been in trouble with the law at one point or another, In fact, 23 year old Larry House, who was severely injured in the attack, had been released from the Mississippi Department of Corrections in August after his arrest a few years ago on a drug charge, according to the MDOC website.
We noticed several beer cans near the site of the fight, and those close to the investigation say there was very likely alcohol involved, and that this incident took on almost "mob" or "gang" proportions. "I don't know that it's gang related, maybe some of them wanna-be's, Big Boys." said DeSoto Sheriff Bill Rasco.
But investigators know there were more involved than just those we know about. "We think there are quite a few more people out there. We haven't identified all the people there were present and we're working on that." said Commander Fred Perez of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department.
They're also working on a clearer picture of just what happened.
Here's what we learned about what happened Sunday morning, based on interviews with multiple sources, who didn't want to be directly quoted:
Both groups involved knew what they were in for, except that the one group suprised the other with the baseball bats leaving House, Eggers and the others, "out-gunned"
They were here to fight and when Vince Eggers walked into the woods to look for the other group he became the first victim.
There were two others. One escaped with minor injuries and a broken arm. He spoke with detectives Tuesday.
Relatives tell us 23 year old Larry House underwent brain surgery and has a metal plate holding his head together.
They quote him as saying he had no choice but to fight, that he had to jump in because it seemed they were going to kill Eggers.
At the moment, 21-year-old Gregory Alan Jordan, 20-year-old David Lee Jones remain in the DeSoto County Jail on aggrivated assualt and robbery charges. Jones' father, 47 year old David Harrold Jones is charged with Accessory after the fact for hiding Eggers' wallet which was taken in the incident.
15-year-old Adam Jones is also charged, as an adult in this case, though authorities aren't yet releasing much information on him, or a photo.
For now, they face aggravated assault charges, but if the condition of the victims takes a turn for the worse, those charges will likely change to capital murder.
"That's something we're thinking about and we're prepared. We've discussed this with the District Attorney and we're prepared if that does happen to be the case." said Perez.
No one's saying what those chances are for now.
Fortunately, Eggers and House are said to be doing better after brain surgeries.
- All those involved may have criminal records
- Investigators say several more likely involved
- Criminal charges could be upgraded.
Dennis.turner@wreg.com
(Hernando, MS 10/20/2009) Investigators are calling for the public's help in investigating the so-called DeSoto County "Bat Attack".
It turns out it could be a much different case than some first thought.
17 year old Vince Eggers remains in Critical condition at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. Those familiar with his condition say he's in such bad shape it could change the scope of the investigation into the baseball bat attack that put him in intensive care.
Everyone from neighbors to investigators say the fight that ended in the "bat attack" had simmered for a long time. "They were texting each other wanting to fight. I guess it's been going on a while they were texting each other about fighting and everything," said one neighbor who didn't want to be identified.
We've learned all those involved in the fight had been in trouble with the law at one point or another, In fact, 23 year old Larry House, who was severely injured in the attack, had been released from the Mississippi Department of Corrections in August after his arrest a few years ago on a drug charge, according to the MDOC website.
We noticed several beer cans near the site of the fight, and those close to the investigation say there was very likely alcohol involved, and that this incident took on almost "mob" or "gang" proportions. "I don't know that it's gang related, maybe some of them wanna-be's, Big Boys." said DeSoto Sheriff Bill Rasco.
But investigators know there were more involved than just those we know about. "We think there are quite a few more people out there. We haven't identified all the people there were present and we're working on that." said Commander Fred Perez of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department.
They're also working on a clearer picture of just what happened.
Here's what we learned about what happened Sunday morning, based on interviews with multiple sources, who didn't want to be directly quoted:
Both groups involved knew what they were in for, except that the one group suprised the other with the baseball bats leaving House, Eggers and the others, "out-gunned"
They were here to fight and when Vince Eggers walked into the woods to look for the other group he became the first victim.
There were two others. One escaped with minor injuries and a broken arm. He spoke with detectives Tuesday.
Relatives tell us 23 year old Larry House underwent brain surgery and has a metal plate holding his head together.
They quote him as saying he had no choice but to fight, that he had to jump in because it seemed they were going to kill Eggers.
At the moment, 21-year-old Gregory Alan Jordan, 20-year-old David Lee Jones remain in the DeSoto County Jail on aggrivated assualt and robbery charges. Jones' father, 47 year old David Harrold Jones is charged with Accessory after the fact for hiding Eggers' wallet which was taken in the incident.
15-year-old Adam Jones is also charged, as an adult in this case, though authorities aren't yet releasing much information on him, or a photo.
For now, they face aggravated assault charges, but if the condition of the victims takes a turn for the worse, those charges will likely change to capital murder.
"That's something we're thinking about and we're prepared. We've discussed this with the District Attorney and we're prepared if that does happen to be the case." said Perez.
No one's saying what those chances are for now.
Fortunately, Eggers and House are said to be doing better after brain surgeries.
